Another Q1SP level from Kona, who turns
maps out a remarkably consistent rate. This
level is a traditional Kona level in the
"alk" series, what this translates
too is split level architecture and a consistent
barrage of id and custom monsters. He has
used some interesting textures which are
the modified Q3 Gothic textures that the
Fresh Team used in their Gothic Resurrection
Q2DM pack. They give a light blue (or even
Ultramarine, DOH!) theme and color scheme
to the map, and there is also some grey
mixed in too, along with big fanciful doors
that slide open and shut with a hugely satisfying
*bang*. Most of the architecture is solid
and nicely proportioned, although some areas
seem *slightly* plain. There are plenty
of open rock faces mixed in with the walls
and corridors. With its blue textures and
typical 2 level kona design this map might
remind some of the veteran Q1SP players
of one of kona's previous maps - "Grisly
Manifest"(alk11). This map is not as
long or as hard as that previous map however.
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The Gameplay in this map is slightly
more forgiving, although it still presents
a tough challenge, particularly on hard
skill (115 monsters). In addition to the
tougher knights, Axemen and Nehahra barons,
there are also the "Nail Ogres",
which were in Grizly Manifest. These guys
are really hard enemies, and one of my personal
favorites, due to their very fast nail attack,
when you have been on the end of one of
their long-range nail attacks, you remember
what a powerful weapon the nailgun can be.
They can also move faster than regular ogres,
which can make for some nasty shocks. Gremlins
also spawn in (often behind you) and ambush
you, and if they steal your double shotgun
can be nasty, they are a decent challenge
when enough of them attack the player in
packs.
A couple of shamblers provide a nasty shock
too at one point. Gameplay is further improved
by a very low amount of health throughout
most of the map, this increases the tension
as the player is often playing with very
low health, e.g. i was often down around
5-30, which always makes things a bit more
exciting!. My only criticism of the gameplay
is the final arena, just before you enter
this area you are again (as in Fearcraft,
although there you get the Rocket launcher
much earlier) given a RL and 45 rockets.
I found all these rockets made the final
battle simply too easy, which for me was
slightly anti-climatic.
Otherwise another excellent and fun Q1SP
level from Kona with his distinctive and
relentless "alk" style, featuring
a steady stream of tough battles and set-pieces
still very clearly intact.
Overall Verdict - A very good largish,
2 level stone map, with cool textures and
a decent challenge
Overall Score: 18/20 |